Municipal elections present an important opportunity for Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) to engage with candidates and build strong working relationships with the municipal leaders who will help shape the future of their communities. Decisions made at the municipal level directly impact the vitality of downtowns and Main Streets through policies related to economic development, infrastructure, public spaces, tourism, and community safety.

This Municipal Election Toolkit has been developed to help BIAs navigate the election period while maintaining their required non-partisan role as local boards of Council. It provides practical guidance, suggested questions, communication resources, and engagement strategies that BIAs can use to educate candidates about the role and value of BIAs and to highlight the priorities of their local business districts.

By using this toolkit, BIAs can help foster meaningful dialogue with candidates and newly elected officials, ensuring that Main Streets remain vibrant economic engines and important gathering places within communities across Ontario.